Ian Watkins, Lostprophets Singer In Court On Child Sex Charges

Rock singer Ian Watkins is to appear at Cardiff Crown Court today to face allegations of plotting to rape a child.

The 35-year-old, whose band Lostprophets have sold more than 3.5 million records worldwide, was arrested along with two women earlier this month.

As well as being charged with conspiring to rape a child under the age of 13, Watkins faces five other sex abuse charges.

Ian Watkins is facing allegations of plotting to rape a child

They include conspiring to engage in sexual activity with two young children as well as making, downloading and distributing child pornography and accessing "extreme pornography" - relating to animals.

During a previous hearing at Cardiff Magistrates' Court, Watkins' legal team said the Last Summer singer would be denying the charges against him. A planned Lostprophets tour has been cancelled.

Watkins was remanded into custody over the Christmas period along with two women - who face similar child sex charges.

The pair, who are aged 20 and 22 from Doncaster and Bedford respectively, cannot be named for legal reasons after magistrates granted an anonymity order.

South Wales Police said all three had been arrested as part of Operation Globe - which investigates allegations of child abuse.

Following Watkins' arrest and subsequent charge, his Lostprophets bandmates issued a statement saying they were shocked by the allegations.